Senna tea contains active plant-based substances that help relieve constipation.
The tea is made from the leaves of the senna plant.
The most commonly used species areCassia acutifoliaorCassia angustifolia.
Verywell / Getty Images
Using senna tea for anything other than short-term constipation treatment may cause health problems.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Getty Images
What Is Senna?
Senna is a flowering plant with beneficial chemicals extracted from its leaves.
Most people interested in senna tea make the beverage by purchasing powdered leaves.
Uses
Multiple studies have tested the effects of senna in powder or capsule form.
However, there are very few studies about the potential benefits of drinking senna tea.
Constipation
Senna tea is most commonly used for occasional constipation.
Researchers have found that the active compounds in senna have a strong laxative effect.
They work by promoting colon contractions and bowel movements.
Senna also prevents water and electrolytes from being reabsorbed from the colon.
This increases the amount of fluid in the intestines and softens the stool.
Adequate doses of senna can vary depending on the product and preparation.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Always consult your healthcare provider before using senna for any condition other than constipation.
What Are the Side Effects of Senna?
Be aware that when used for extended periods of time, senna poses other health risks.
Using senna longer or in larger doses than recommended can impair the colons ability to function.
As the muscles stop working , they stop pushing wastes through the colon and you develop chronic constipation.
The ongoing constipation leads to a dependency on using senna, creating a worsening cycle.
The senna products you purchase should have information about dosage and use.
For example, one senna-containing laxative states you should use it no longer than one week.
Likewise, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, seek a provider’s advice before using senna tea.
Weight Loss
Senna tea is often marketed for weight loss and detoxing your digestive tract.
Neither claim is backed by scientific evidence and using senna for weight loss may lead to health problems.
Easing constipation is sennas only proven health benefit.
Using senna (or any other laxative) for weight loss is ineffective and potentially dangerous.
Senna tea has little or no impact on your weight, and if it does, it’s temporary.
Your body continuously produces stool, so its minimal weight is always part of your total body weight.
Researchers reviewed the records of more than 10,000 women diagnosed with an eating disorder.
Senna interacts with these medicines, putting your health at risk by potentially decreasing or increasing their effectiveness.
Senna use can result in decreased levels of potassium.
Diuretics can have the same effect on the body; so can other herbs, likelicoriceandhorsetail.
None of these should be taken together with senna to prevent low potassium.
Dosage: How Much Senna Should I Take?
Senna is widely available in health food stores, vitamin shops, and online.
However, there is no standardized dose.
Senna tea is likely safe when used in moderation for up to one week.
For constipation during pregnancy, it may be safe.
Many tea sellers list the use of a “proprietary blend” on their product labels.
Steeping time and water temperature can change the amount of senna released into the brew.
Supplements should state the dose per recommended serving.
But keep in mind that there aren’t any guarantees that unregulated supplements contain what’s on the label.
It is often taken prior to going to bed.
This means that you are likely to feel the urge to have a bowel movement in the morning.
Not all senna tea is alike.
The amount of active ingredients varies from one product to the next.
Some senna teas are blended with other herbs, likecascara sagradaor rhubarb, with laxative effects.
Avoid taking multiple types of senna at the same time.
Senna tablets can also be found online.
This is currently the only safe and effective use of senna.
One of the most common is senna dependency.
Drinking senna tea or taking senna products too long impairs colon function, leading to chronic constipation.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Senna.
2019 Jun;17(7):1303-1310.e18.
2020 Sep 1;12(9):e10180.
A systematic review and meta-analysis.Dig Dis Sci.
2021 Jul 16;9(20):5490-5513. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v9.i20.5490.
National Health Service.Who can and cannot take senna.
